During a targeted anti-drug campaign across the capital, Yen Hoa Ward Police conducted local screenings and drug tests on high-risk individuals on June 29, 2026. Officers discovered three suspects cultivating cannabis for personal use and distribution.
Officers seized over 3.3 kilograms of dried cannabis and 97 live cannabis plants.
From this initial bust, Yen Hoa Ward Police teamed up with the Hanoi Police Drug Crime Investigation Division to expand the probe. They summoned 15 suspects, launched formal legal proceedings for illegal drug trafficking and possession, and indicted five individuals.
Investigators identified this group as the first link in a sophisticated, multi-tiered drug trafficking network.
As the probe widened, authorities identified Nguyen Thi Dong (born in 1979, residing in Khuong Dinh Ward, Hanoi) as a supplier of drug paraphernalia.
On July 19, 2026, Yen Hoa Ward Police caught Dong delivering 10 sets of drug paraphernalia to a buyer. A subsequent search of her residence uncovered an additional 781 sets.
Drawing on collected evidence, police identified numerous individuals involved in drug use, trafficking, and organizing illegal consumption.
By August 3, 2026, Yen Hoa Ward Police and municipal drug detectives summoned and interrogated 98 suspects.
Drug tests revealed 68 positive cases. Authorities finalized criminal files for 65 suspects and sent 11 individuals to mandatory rehab centers.
Yen Hoa Ward Police and the Hanoi Police Drug Crime Investigation Division work to interrogate and clarify the roles of suspects involved in the ring. (Photo: Hanoi Police)
Among the key targets under investigation is Kieu Thi Thanh (born in 1981, residing in Hong Ha Ward, Hanoi), accused of illegal narcotics trafficking.
During the arrest operation against the ringleaders, one suspect aggressively resisted, ramming a car directly into police officers to escape.
Suspect Kieu Thi Thanh. (Photo: Hanoi Police)
Facing immediate danger, the Yen Hoa Ward Police task force fired warning shots to halt and subdue the suspect, ensuring safety for both officers and nearby civilians.
To date, the Hanoi City Police Investigation Agency—alongside police units from Khuong Dinh, Hoan Kiem, and Yen Hoa wards—has summoned a total of 226 suspects.
Among them, 144 individuals tested positive for illicit drugs, and investigators prepared criminal charges against 147 suspects.
Total seized evidence includes 14.655 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.26 kilograms of ketamine, 6.182 kilograms of MDMA, over 116 grams of heroin, a firearm with live ammunition, 843 drug paraphernalia items, and various related assets.
The Hanoi Police Director has ordered investigative units to coordinate with specialized divisions, trace upstream drug supplies, pursue remaining accomplices, and finalize evidence to prosecute all offenders under the law.
(Source: Phap Luat Newspaper)
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